To be upset that I haven't had hot water for a month?

[trebuvie]

I moved into a new flat (rental) about a month ago and when I first moved in, there was a problem with the boiler.

Reported immediately to the agents who sent someone around same day. Unfortunately they weren't able to fix, so they kept coming around, every day or two someone else would have a look, but nothing they did fixed it. Apparently the boiler is a really old / weird design and hard to work on. Then they realised some part needed to be replaced, which took over a week, etc etc, you get the picture.

I actually have no issues with the agency or the plumbers who've spent many hours looking at it. They've been quite responsive and it genuinely does seem like a tough problem. So I've been trying to be friendly and patient.

However... it has now been a month! I was really hopeful today because it seemed to be finally working but it's a no-go once again and there's yet another error.

I tried reading about tenants' rights in this situation but just found a bunch of articles about how tenants should be patient and that not having hot water isn't an emergency because you can just boil water in the kettle. Sure... but surely after a month the story must change??

I don't know if I can take another round of "let's order this part from somewhere", would I be unreasonable to ask them to replace this boiler? Or for a reduction in rent? I don't want to be a jerk but this has gone on so long...

I don’t think YABU at all, but I’ve no idea of the legal position.

If I were your landlord I would have took it on the chin and gone to the expense of a new boiler by now. It’s only going to keep happening the more antiquated it gets.

It's ridiculous - tell the agents you want the boiler replaced within 10 days. Get angry on the phone. Put it in writing. It's very clearly on its last legs and will keep failing. Have a google and check in with Citizens Advice, but I think you are well within your rights to withhold rent - which I would - and I would also negotiate a reduction.

The agents don't give a fuck - as long as you pay your rent they get a cut, so you need to stop being nice.

the law states your landlord has to repair in reasonable time days not months and that you can contact environmental health over it as it's against the law to leave you with no hot water - read this it's about half way down it states the law and what to do.

www.thetenantsvoice.co.uk/advice_from_us/heating-and-hot-water/

I'd be going up the walls. Do you have an electric shower? Yes try to get a rent reduction

Thanks everyone. I will call first thing Monday and ask if we can take a step back and look at other options. Preferred option is the new boiler - it's a lovely flat in a nice area and I'm very happy with it otherwise!

No electric shower. I boil water on the stove for baths. Takes ages... I try to pretend I'm camping or something but the novelty has been wearing off for a while, haha.

You need to get angry about this, it's not ok and not normal to be expected to wait over a month for hot water.